MEAL AT HOMMIX

After they settled into their seats, a female waitress approached their table, holding a small notepad and pen. As she neared them, her cheeks turned pink — she couldn’t help it. All four boys were so handsome, and their gentle smiles only made her blush harder.

Jordan picked up the menu and stared at it, unsure of what to choose. Everything looked so delicious, and he felt his stomach grumble again.

"I crave almost everything on this menu," he said with a small laugh, looking at the others. "I don't even know what to order."

Michael chuckled. "That’s exactly how I felt the first time I came here," he said, nodding understandingly.

While Jordan was still deciding, Idris gently turned to the blushing waitress and placed his order: "Jollof rice and chicken, please."

Justin, without much hesitation, said, "I'll have three wraps of fufu with melon soup — and two pieces of meat."

The waitress quickly scribbled their orders down, stealing shy glances at their faces.

Michael ordered next, choosing the same as Idris — Jollof rice and chicken. Jordan, after a long stare at the menu, finally decided.

"I’ll have fried rice and a chicken lap," he said with a smile.

The waitress, practically trembling with excitement, wrote it all down quickly. Her heart raced, and she felt as if she might faint from admiration — their gentle voices and calm demeanor made them seem almost unreal.

Soon, she returned with another waiter, balancing their trays carefully. Together, they placed the delicious plates of food before the boys, who thanked them politely, their kindness only deepening the waitress’s admiration.

After the waitress and the waiter had left, the four boys wasted no time. They dug into their food eagerly, the rich aroma filling the air around their table.

Jordan took his first forkful of fried rice and his eyes widened in delight.

"Wow," he said, savoring the taste. "This is really delicious!"

Justin, with a mouth half full, chuckled and said, "I told you. This place cooks well — one of the best here in Benin." He scooped up another ball of fufu, dipping it generously into his melon soup.

As they ate, the conversation grew lighter and warmer. Idris cracked a small joke about how he could open a restaurant chain one day and call it "Idris Hommix," making everyone burst out laughing. Even a few customers nearby glanced over, smiling at their joyful energy.

Midway through the meal, Jordan leaned back a little, smiling gratefully. In his heart, he whispered a soft "Thank you, Lord" for the good food, good friends, and the peaceful evening. Beside him, Michael, sensitive in spirit, also offered a silent prayer of gratitude, feeling that same wave of thankfulness.

Though nothing was said aloud, a calm, almost tangible peace hovered over their table — a reflection of the quiet faith Jordan and Michael carried within them.

At one point, Jordan accidentally dropped a piece of chicken from his fork, and it bounced onto Michael’s plate. Everyone paused — then erupted in laughter, even Michael. Jordan apologized between chuckles, and Michael waved it off good-naturedly.

"Sharing is caring!" Michael joked, and the laughter bubbled again.

After they finished eating, the boys sat back in their chairs, completely satisfied. Plates were wiped clean, and even Justin, who had ordered the most, looked like he couldn’t possibly eat another bite. They laughed quietly among themselves, their faces relaxed and happy.

Michael called for the bill, and together they contributed, each one happily chipping in without any fuss. As they stepped out of Hommix into the cool night air, the breeze brushed softly against their faces.

The walk back to the hostel was peaceful. The streetlights lined the road, casting a soft glow on the pavement. Idris and Justin led the way, joking and teasing each other about who would wake up late for class the next day.

Meanwhile, Jordan and Michael walked a little behind, talking quietly. Jordan spoke about how grateful he was that God had made everything work out — a good school, good roommates, and even good food on his first evening away from home. Michael nodded, understanding completely.

"God is faithful," Michael said simply, and Jordan smiled, feeling the truth of those words deep in his heart.

As they reached the main gate and made their way back inside the school compound, the excitement of starting a new chapter filled the air. They knew tomorrow was the beginning of something special — and they were ready for it.

Together, they headed back to their room, their hearts full, their spirits high, and their friendship just beginning.

Back in their room, the boys got ready for bed, each quietly settling into their own space. Justin and Idris drifted off quickly, still smiling faintly from the evening’s laughter. Jordan spent a few more minutes whispering a prayer of thanks before lying down, while Michael, Bible still beside his pillow, whispered, "Thank You, Lord," one more time.

Before long, the room was filled with the soft, steady breathing of four tired but grateful friends. Their hearts were full, their spirits were light, and sleep wrapped around them like a warm, gentle blanket, preparing them for the new beginnings waiting with the morning sun.

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